The aim and purpose of the Philoptochos at all levels is philanthropy, which literally means "friend of mankind".  The Philoptochos formulates plans and methods to voluntarily aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, victims of disasters as well as to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through special funds or solicitations on the National, Diocesan, and local levels.  In addition to these philanthropic endeavors, the Philoptochos strives to preserve the sacredness of the Orthodox family through family concern, service, and unity of action- to perpetuate the Christian concept of marriage and upbringing of children and to perpetuate and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith.  The Philoptochos of St. John's has dedicated itself to this mission.